West Lakes and Royal Park groundwater prohibition area
Consultation has concluded
On 19 August 2020, the EPA was notified of test results in soil collected at the former Port Adelaide Wastewater Treatment Plant, and in groundwater monitoring bores offsite that are located in reserves and other public land. The results showed per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above relevant guidelines.
The EPA has established a groundwater prohibition area (GPA) in parts of West Lakes and Royal Park. Community engagement on the proposal to establish a GPA was undertaken and closed on 6 November 2023.
The GPA was published in the South Australian Government Gazette on 14 December 2023. From this date, extracting shallow groundwater (bore water) from up to 13 metres below ground level will be prohibited.
Lake water, tap water and rainwater are not affected. For more information on the water quality in the lake and testing of the fish please visit West Lakes
If you have any feedback, questions or concerns, please contact us on:
- Ph: (08) 8429 7554
Historical reports, letters and maps
The EPA has a history of work in the West Lakes area, and links to previous documents, letters to residents, media releases, maps and other information is available below:
Key Documents
- West Lakes information for residents in areas affected by sewage sludge, July 2001
- Precautionary testing of selected reserves in the wider West Lakes area
- Questionaire to residents in assessment area
- Important information, 12 October 2000
- Summary of EPA investigations
- Summary of historical information
- Chronology of events
Letters to residents
- 24 September 2002
- 10 July 2002
- 12 October 2000
- 9 October 2000
- 26 September 2000
- 25 August 2000
Media Releases
Maps
A series of maps has been produced to help inform the public on the West Lakes soil testing program.
- Map 1 identifies the broad assessment area
- Map 2 identifies the initial testing locations and highlights the concentrations of cadmium detected at each location
- Map 3 identifies locations which were targeted in the second stage of testing which commenced on August 30
Below are results maps: